ought first to have counted the cost."



62.

Munich, Oct. 2, 1777.

YESTERDAY, October 1st, I was again at Count Salern's, and to-day
I even dined with him. I have played a great deal during the last
three days, and with right good will too. Papa must not, however,
imagine that I like to be at Count Salern's on account of the
young lady; by no means, for she is unhappily in waiting, and
therefore never at home, but I am to see her at court to-morrow
morning, at ten o'clock, in company with Madame Hepp, formerly
Madlle. Tosson. On Saturday the court leaves this, and does not
return till the 20th. To-morrow I am to dine with Madame and
Madlle. de Branca, the latter being a kind of half pupil of mine,
for Sigl seldom comes, and Becke, who usually accompanies her on
the flute, is not here. On the three days that I was at Count
Salern's I played a great many things extempore--two Cassations
[Divertimentos] for the Countess, and the finale and Rondo, and
the latter by heart. You cannot imagine the delight this causes
Count Salern. He understands music, for he was constantly saying
Bravo! while other gentlemen were taking snuff, humming and
hawing, and clearing their throats, or holding forth. I said to
him, "How I do wish the Elector were only here, that he might
hear me play! He knows nothing of me--he does not know what I can
do. How sad it is that these great gentlemen should believe what
any one tells them, and do not choose to judge for themselves!